HEART MONTH: AFFAIRS OF THE HEART

In this file photo by me for The Courier-Times last year, Amy Dudley, LPN at Addison Place in New Castle, checks the blood pressure of Dorothy Moles during the 8th annual Affairs of the Heart vendors' fair.

It's been called a girls' night out, a health-and-services fair, a place to sample local products and visit with friends and neighbors.

For the ninth year, it's back. Affairs of the Heart, sponsored by Henry Community Health, gets under way at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at First Baptist Family Life Center, 709 S. Memorial Drive, New Castle.

It's free! The vendor fair is 5-6:30 p.m. when you can expect products for sample and sale from many genres, and sign up for door prizes, stuff your provided goody bags and have a good time. I'll be there with my books and free copies of the latest issue of her magazine for women. Stop by and say hi. My friends Sandy Moore and Annette Goggin will be there with their books too.

Then at 6:30 p.m. chairwoman Ricci Atchison has some speakers lined up to educate those attending. Cindy Gerritsen, RN, BSN, CDE, will talk about diabetes. Atkinson says that Gerritsen is passionate about helping people learn about diabetes and heart disease.

Also taking the main stage is Susan Julian, a nurse practitioner who will share about maintaining health and preventing illness.

A highlight of the evening is when Henry County's Sweet Heart is revealed. Applications are due to Ricci on this Friday. It's simple to apply. List your health risk or risks of any kind, and include up to 200 words about why you would like to win, as well as up to 100 words describing your daily exercise routine. Just email the info to Ricci at ratchison@hcmhcares.org.

The winner receives a tool box filled with a one-year health membership, a massage and other goodies to get her on the road to improved health.

The evening ends with -- get this -- more than 100 door prizes valued at least $25 each. The only catch? You must be present to win. And by the way, who are you? Anyone from any community is welcome so even if you don't live in Henry County, consider driving over and spending the evening.

Hope to see you there.

Stephanie Morgan, left, and Mona Eaton, visit with guests at Thursday’s annual Affairs of the Heart women’s fair and health program. The women were representing the Henry County Farmers Market booth. The photo was taken by yours truly for The Courier-Times at the 2016 Affairs event.